Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP)

Overview

Electrical submersible pumps lift more oil than any other artificial lift method worldwide, and they are the first choice for high-rate wells and for many mature fields with rising water cut. They are also expensive to pull and replace, so every extra month of run life has a direct effect on field economics. This course covers ESP systems from selection and design through installation, operation and failure analysis. Participants learn the components of an ESP string, including the pump, intake, gas separator, protector, motor, cable and surface equipment, and how each one fails. They practise pump sizing for given well conditions, including the effects of gas, viscosity and sand. The course places strong emphasis on operating ESPs with variable speed drives, reading amp charts and downhole sensor data, and using dismantle inspection findings to improve run life through better design and operating practices.

Objectives

• Describe the components of an ESP system and their functions
• Select ESP as a lift method and recognise its limits
• Size pump, motor and cable for given well conditions
• Account for gas, viscosity and solids in ESP design
• Operate ESPs with variable speed drives and downhole sensors
• Interpret amp charts and diagnose operating problems
• Use dismantle inspection and failure analysis to extend run life

Who should attend

Training methodology

Participants size a complete ESP system by hand for a sample well, then check it with design software and examine how the design changes with water cut and gas. Real amp charts, sensor trends and VSD logs are interpreted in groups to diagnose gas locking, pump wear, underload and motor problems. Dismantle inspection photographs from failed pumps are used to identify failure causes. The course closes with a team review of a field's ESP run-life data and proposed improvements.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions